“Innnowacyjność Uber does not constitute an action-oriented
to eliminate competition “- he says UOKiK published yesterday post.
Office indicates that the company is only an intermediary, and consumers have
a sufficient set of information about the responsibility of the driver and
the platform and the prices and terms of complaints.
A discussion about Uber, fueled by reports
conflicts between American player of corporations taxi drivers,
OCCP prompted to speak. the office of Competition and Consumer Protection
published May 5 extensive position in which he explains his view on the matter
“Uber vs. the competition.”
According to the President of the OCCP Uber controversy surrounding stem from
the fact that the company brings with it a new business model – a platform linking
passengers and drivers. Competitive advantage is based on the use of modern technologies that
allow to offer services more cheaply and in a form inaccessible to traditional services
taxi. Uber does not eliminate competition, however. “Basic technologies
Uber which are used are protected by patents, it is thus possible
use this business model by competing entrepreneurs
who may subject it to further modified to favor the development of
competition and therefore consumers. Evidenced by the availability of competitive
applications like Uber in Poland and in other countries, “- emphasized in the
the position of the OCCP.
The Office also notes that the service offered by Uber is not
fully substitute for taxi services. “In addition, the type of service proposed
by Uber may not be optimal for all consumers, does not provide
Indeed features such as the anonymity of passengers or the possibility of payment in cash,
which may be important for some passengers, “- says in the document.
Prices and complaints – OCCP sees no problems
In traditional taxis passenger is protected by several
mechanisms – the use of taxi meters, imposed the maximum rate, displaying
information on tariffs. “In the opinion of the OCCP, the service Uber provides not less
the level of protection against this type of abuse, because the fees are
calculated on the basis of transparent and objective parameters rates. Uber in
clear the pricing “- says the office, stressing that customers
have access to the application to estimate the cost of travel.
With regard to the problem of the availability of complaint procedures
OCCP shows that it has so far received consumer complaints concerning
platform. “The activity of the company Uber should not result in a reduction
the current standards, and the information obtained directly
from the entrepreneurs that it has suitable organizational base
enabling smooth handling of consumer issues in the context of
of transport services “- says the position.
New player improves the position of consumers
“In the opinion of the OCCP, the entrance to the local company Uber
passenger transport markets in Poland, as well as its past
functioning, affects the development of competition in these markets, which is positive
impact on the situation of consumers. For consumers, the appearance of new
carrier means an increase in choice, while for others
market participants is a challenge to improve the quality and innovation of their
services “- this is a summary of the post office. It has been accompanied by a note,
the changes taking place in the market may be accompanied by the need for adjustments
regulatory security, data protection and obligations
tax.
Office does not refer to the issue of safety of passengers and
requirements for drivers. “The assessment of whether these safeguards are sufficient, requires
analyzes by other state organs responsible for passenger transport.
From the point of view of the OCCP, the essential issue in this context is whether
the consumer is adequately informed that the use of services by
Uber platform differs from the carriage taxi. Based on the data available on
the trader’s website, the consumer does not seem to be introduced in
confusion as to the nature of the business Uber “- emphasizes the OCCP.
Michal Kisiel
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